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Roger Federer most likely to prevent a Novak Djokovic calendar grand slam this year

Novak Djokovic has an immense opportunity to gun for a “calendar grand slam” this year since Rod Laver achieved the feat in 1969. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman believes that Roger Federer and Andy Murray look most likely to prevent the Serbian from achieving it.

Novak Djokovic won 11 titles last year which included three out of the four majors. He has a record of 12-0 this season having already thrashed the likes of Rafael Nadal, Federer and Murray to win at Doha as well as his record-equaling Australian Open.

The 28-year-old was ruthless at Melbourne and experts are already predicting a calendar slam year for the World No. 1.

Henman believes that although there is a gap between Novak Djokovic and the top players in the game, it has not become a gulf.

“They can definitely challenge. Murray is at highest ranking in his career, he’s No. 2 in the world. He’s playing great tennis.” Henman told Reuters.

However, the 41-year-old was quick to point out that Novak Djokovic is playing better tennis at the moment.

Both Federer and Murray need to up their game if they want to stop the Serbian from achieving the calendar slam. Stan Wawrinka was able to stop Djokovic from achieving it last year by beating the Serbian at the French Open.

Nadal on the other hand may not be the same player who won nine French Open titles but can pose a serious threat to Djokovic if the Spaniard ups his game. Roland Garros is Nadal’s backyard and he can stand as a wall between Djokovic and the calendar grand slam.

“The challenge for all those other players is to try and raise their levels and probably hope that Djokovic doesn’t play quite as consistently.” The 41-year-old Henman added.

As Novak Djokovic looks to rampage through the men’s circuit, Federer, Murray and Nadal are the only realistic prospects who stand in his way.